Ferdinand ready to knife old pals

Former Tottenham striker Les Ferdinand says he will have no qualms about putting the boot into Spurs' European ambitions in the cause of new club West Ham's Premiership survival battle.

"There are sentimental aspects, having spent so long there but all I am thinking about is the chance of another three points to push on," Ferdinand told West Ham's official website.

Ferdinand is clearly still rankled by Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle's decision to offload him during the January transfer window, although he denies he will be going flat out to prove a point at Upton Park on Saturday.

"Glenn Hoddle knows what Les Ferdinand was capable of, I worked with him for many years, he had me in the England squad and I don't think I have anything to prove to him."

Tottenham's Ledley King is relishing the prospect of coming up against a veteran striker who always gave him a tough time on the training ground.

"Les was always a tough guy to handle in training and it will be interesting to play against him for real," King, 21, said. "He's a great lad and is much missed at Spurs. We all wished him well when he left for West Ham - but not on Saturday.

"I know they need the points, but so do we to push on for a place in Europe."

A win at West Brom on Sunday has lifted West Ham to third from bottom and within three points of Bolton, the team currently occupying the last survival spot.

But the impact on morale at Upton Park was limited by the row which erupted after club captain Paulo di Canio reacted angrily to being substituted.

Di Canio is doubtful for the Tottenham game after succumbing to grastritis in midweek but the Hammers will have Joe Cole back from suspension.